This year has created a unique opportunity for Ventura County Public Works Agency’s departments to get information from its community members. While in-person meetings were no longer an option, Roads & Transportation (VCPWA-RT) worked to create a touchless outreach program to secure Active Transportation Program funding from the State of California for the El Rio community.
The main element of outreach was the survey, which was available both by mail and online at www.vcpublicworks.org/elrio/. Each platform asked residents to provide their opinion and the information provided the team with valuable feedback on projects that they would like to see for their community. By the end of the outreach campaign, they received 343 responses which give them a better chance at securing the grant and starting on important safety projects that will positively impact the community of over 1,300 households.
These funds would support projects that would encourage active transportation, which includes biking, walking, and safe access to public transportation (buses and trains), sidewalks for safer walking and biking, as well as to build facilities that reduce greenhouse gases.
“We are always striving to build innovative projects,” said Glenn Derossett, VCPWA-RT’s Engineering Manager. “With the help of grant funding from the State of California and supporting feedback, we can continue to make our community not only better but safer for our residents.”
